Spirit Airlines, known for its ultra-low-cost model, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Monday, marking a significant shift in the airline’s strategy. This move comes after the airline had already begun implementing several changes to attract travelers back, particularly in the wake of the pandemic.
Before the bankruptcy filing, Spirit had introduced bundled fare options, a form of premium seating that blocks off the middle seat, and eliminated change and cancel fees, a trend that has become more common in the industry since the pandemic. Major carriers like American, Delta, and United have also scrapped change fees for all but their cheapest fares.
The airline’s turnaround plan, dubbed “Project Bravo,” outlines several key initiatives. These include offering free in-flight Wi-Fi to passengers who join Spirit’s loyalty program, serving all passengers a water and a snack, and adding larger overhead bins and in-seat power. Premium cabins will have access to free streaming Wi-Fi, while economy cabins will be able to browse the internet.
Spirit is also planning to realign its network by deploying 20 to 30 aircraft from low-revenue cities to “top value seeker” cities. Fort Lauderdale, which has consistent high demand especially during winter months, will be a primary focus. The airline intends to add more “focus cities” in the first quarter of 2026, aiming to strengthen its pricing power in certain markets.
The loyalty program, which currently generates only about 2% of Spirit’s revenue, is set for a redesign to incentivize more sign-ups. The plan includes promoting the co-branded credit card with Bank of America and potentially partnering with other airlines or companies, which could include a codeshare agreement expected to boost revenues by 2.4%.
This bankruptcy filing is not an isolated incident; it follows a pattern seen in the airline industry, where several carriers have faced financial difficulties over the years. The collapse of a merger deal with Frontier Airlines was a significant factor in Spirit’s decision to seek bankruptcy protection.